The company announced in August 2012 that it plans to end production of the sterilant, primarily used to sterilize hospital and laboratory equipment, in response to U.S. Clean Air Act regulations banning the sale and use of most HCFC-based products like Oxyfume in the U.S. as of Dec. 31, 2014. Honeywell plans to end production of Oxyfume before the end of 2013.

“Hospitals and laboratories still using Oxyfume should send in final orders to their distributors now,” said Jeff Czarnecki, global business director for Honeywell’s Healthcare and Packaging business. “Customers that have stopped using Oxyfume should double-check their facilities for unused cylinders and contact Honeywell for return information.”

Current and former customers are encouraged to check for unused cylinders and visit www.honeywell-sterilants.com for return information. Honeywell cannot accept cylinder returns after production ends.

Oxyfume 2002 and Oxyfume 2000 cylinders should be sent to Honeywell for recycling until production ceases later this year. Cylinders of Oxyfume 12, a CFC-based product phased out in 1995, cannot be received by Honeywell. Current and former customers should contact Honeywell for information on how to handle these cylinders.

Honeywell noted that it can cost more than $1,000 per cylinder to dispose of unused cylinders that are deemed hazardous waste.

For more than 40 years, Oxyfume ethylene oxide sterilant blends have been widely used by hospitals, laboratories and medical device manufacturers. It is estimated that more than 70 percent of hospitals in the United States have used Oxyfume in their sterilization facilities.

Performance Materials and Technologies is a global leader in developing and manufacturing advanced materials and process technologies. These materials and technologies are used by people every day in a wide range of industries and applications, from petroleum refining to environmentally friendlier refrigerants to bullet-resistant vests. Our advanced materials are critical in the manufacture of products ranging from nylon to computer chips to pharmaceutical packaging. Process technologies developed by our UOP business form the foundation for most of the world’s refiners, efficiently producing gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and petrochemicals. UOP is now pioneering technology to produce real fuels from renewable energy sources.

Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; turbochargers; and performance materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.